Lopez de Palacios Rubios, JuanTractado del esfuerço bellico heroyco, compuesto por el doctor. del consejo real dela reyna doña Juana y del emperador don Carlos su hijo, nros señores. A ruego de Gonçalo perez de Bivero, su hijo primogenito 1524 - One of the earliest jurist of the New World, a copy later owned by the foremost historian of the Americas of the 18th century. 1524. Salamanca. Gaspar de Rossiñolis. In folio (254 x 185 mm.) xlviii ff. [a-b8, c-f6, g-h4 [g4 blank]. Nineteenth century Spanish calf, tooled in simple gilt fillets, spine flat, with lettering labels. Title page slightly trimmed by the binder, just affecting the outer border, generally very good with the usual signs of deterioration common to Spanish gothics; ownership inscription on title page &#147;De los libros de Don Andrés González de Barcia&#148;. First edition. Palacios Rubios was a renowned jurist and humanist during the time of the Catholic Kings, acting as Minister to the Council of the Indies, President to the Council of the Mesta, and member of the Royal Council, amongst other high-ranking positions. In 1512 he wrote the famous Requerimiento, a standard work of importance to the colonization of the Americas, which was read to the American natives, instructing them to subdue peacefully; in it, the natives were informed they were vassals to both the Spanish monarch and the Pope, and that refusal to accept the fact &#150;or even worst, resisting it- would bring as consequence the subjugation by force. This is the only work by Palacios Rubios ever written in Spanish, it possesses a strong political content, and it would also be his last, he died at 74, the same year it saw the printing presses. In the 18th century, Antonio de Sancha took on the re-impression of the work in a remarkably well-produced edition. Maggs Bros, Spanish Books, 1927: &#147;The first edition of one of the earliest Spanish ethical works of the Renaissance. It is the only book which Palacios Rubios wrote in Spanish, and is his most literary work, in which he dwells upon the virtues of military heroism, and make a subtle analysis of this quality from the moral and psychological point of view&#148; Rare, we could only trace one copy, sold at Sotheby´s, lot 288, 1952. Provenance: for an author of such a relevance in the history of early Spanish colonization of the Americas, a remarkable lineage, this copy belonged to one of the foremost eighteenth century Spanish bibliographers and historians, Andres Gonzalez Barcia, author of the Historiadores primitivos de Indias, and the revised editions of the Descripcion de las Indias Occidentales by Herrera, and Garcilasso de la Vega´s Historia del Peru and the Commentarios Reales. Palau, 141667. Ruiz Fidalgo, La Imprenta en Salamanca, 156. Maggs Bros, Spanish Books, 709. Not in Salva. [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover]

Plinius Secundus, Gaius (Pliny the Elder).Naturalis historiae opus. (Cologne, Eucharius Cervicornus, 1524). - Folio. (16), 311, (60) ff. Title-page and sub-title to index with ornamental woodcut border. Woodcut initials, head and tail pieces. Calf, gold-tooled ribbed spine with title-label. Sprinkled edges. First edition of the "Natural history" edited by Johannes Caesarius (1468-1550), a humanist and close friend of Erasmus. The original text was by Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23 - August 25, AD 79), better known as Pliny the Elder. He was a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher, as well as naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire, and personal friend of the emperor Vespasian. The text in the present edition is decorated with woodcut borders and many woodcut initials. - The "Naturalis Historia" is one of the largest single works to have survived from the Roman empire to the modern day and purports to cover the entire field of ancient knowledge, based on the best authorities available to Pliny. He claims to be the only Roman ever to have undertaken such a work. It comprised 37 books in 10 volumes and covered over 20.000 facts on topics including the fields of botany, zoology, astronomy , geology and mineralogy as well as the exploitation of those resources. It remains a standard work for the Roman period and the advances in technology and understanding of natural phenomena at the time. Some technical advances he discusses are the only sources for those inventions, such as hushing in mining technology or the use of water mills for crushing or grinding corn. Much of what he wrote about has been confirmed by archaeology. ''We know from Pliny that there were important pearl fisheries in the Gulf [.] Pliny identifies Tylos (Bahrain) as a place famous for its pearls [. He] attests that pearls were the most highly rated valuable in Roman society, and that those from the Gulf were specially praised [.] The pearl related finds at the site of El-Dur indicate the site was integrated into the maritime trade routes linking the Roman Empire, the Persian Empire, India and South Arabia'' (Carter). Book 6 holds a chapter that gives the first detailed account of the regions around the Gulf, including what are now Qatar, the Emirates and Oman. - Not only is it virtually the only work which describes the work of artists of the time, and has it become an important reference work for the history of art, due to the wide range of topics, the referencing system and index it became a model for later encyclopaedias. - With manuscript notes of multiple owners on pastedown (including written ex-libris by Antonii Mauritii Seguin 1713 and Mathon de la cour 1744). Some underling in text, and notes in the margins (partly lost due to trimmed edges). A very good copy with bookplate of De Ponsainpierre on pastedown. VD 16, P 3531. Adams P 1556. BM-STC German 704. Durling 3689 (imperfect copy). Hunt 23. USTC (11 copies). [Attributes: First Edition]

Savonarola, Girolamo.Confessionale pro instructione confesso[rum]. [colophon: Venetiis: per Francisum de Bindonis Small square 8vo (14 cm; 5.5"). 98 [i.e., 96] ff.. 21 April 1524] Savonarola's detailed instructions for confessors are here newly edited by the philologist Lucas Olchinensis Panaetius (fl. 1518) and dedicated to Antonio Contarini (d. 1524), a patriarch of Venice. First published coincident with Savonarola's death, this manual was reprinted at least 42 times in the next 200 years and was so popular that the Pope in 1581 contributed a preface! Specifically addressed to young priests, it reviews various sins, describes the qualities of a good confessor, guides the reader through interrogation techniques, and assigns appropriate penances, thereby bearing => singular, significant witness to Savonarola's effective work as a conventional priest, not a radical public reformer loudly auguring the Apocalypse. The Rudimentary References of Elias de Ferrariis (d. 1348), another tool for novice priests, is appended starting on p. 45. A famous woodcut of Savonarola seated to the left of a desk in his cell, writing, beneath a crucifix and a window without bars, introduces an edition of his text that is neatly printed in Gothic type with two large, ten-line criblé woodcut initials beginning the major sections. Marks of readership: Sparse underlining, a couple annotations, and manicules, all in early ink. 20th-century patterned paper–covered boards, faded blue edges (with a few marginal stains from the blue paint); trimmed close, especially at foot. Repairs to first and final leaves affecting one word in the title and a few letters in the letter to the editor; small tear to one leaf's upper margin crossing headline without loss; final quire with most leaves repaired at gutter and two at the top inner margin; leaves 92 to end with both a very small semicircular area of insect-gnawing to fore-edges and a modest brown stain in the upper outer corners not affecting text. => A good, evocative little book.

Savonarola, Girolamo Fratris Hieronymi Savonarolae Ferrarie[n]sis expositiones in psalmos. Qui regis israel. Miserere mei deus. In te domine speravi. Item: Regulae quedam fructuosissimae ad omnes religiosos attinentes. Oratio, vel psalmus, Diligam te domine. [colophon: Venetiis: p[er] Franciscu[m] de Bindonis accuratissime ipresse 8vo (14.5 cm; 5.75"). 47 (of 48) ff., lacking final blank.. 1524] A neat, attractive compilation of several of Savonarola's writings including his exposition on St. Ambrose's rendering of Psalm 80 into a hymn on the Virgin Birth; his famous, extended essay on the Penitential Psalm beginning "Miserere mei Deus," written in prison after he had confessed to heresy under torture; and a meditation on Psalm 31 that he had not quite finished at the time of his execution, this being the psalm beginning in the KJV, "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed . . ." Also present is a printing of his Regulae septem ad omnes religiosos, a brief and strict rule for priests, friars, and brothers wishing to live a proper life. Title-page in roman type and with a large woodcut of Savonarola in his cell writing (Savonarola on the left, window without bars). The text is printed in gothic with three large woodcut initials. => The printer's large, handsome device appears below the colophon. "Novissime cum textuu[m] annotationibus omnia diligenter recognita. 20th-century vellum over light paste boards, old style. Top margin of verso of title-page with small paper repair. Brown stain in in lower part of some leaves but not all; into text on most affected leaves but not all. Lacks final blank (only). Good+.

Savonarola, Girolamo.Confessionale pro instructione confesso[rum]. [colophon: Venetiis: per Francisum de Bindonis Small square 8vo (14 cm; 5.5"). 98 [i.e., 96] ff.. 21 April 1524] Savonarola's detailed instructions for confessors are here newly edited by the philologist Lucas Olchinensis Panaetius (fl. 1518) and dedicated to Antonio Contarini (d. 1524), a patriarch of Venice. First published coincident with Savonarola's death, this manual was reprinted at least 42 times in the next 200 years and was so popular that the Pope in 1581 contributed a preface! Specifically addressed to young priests, it reviews various sins, describes the qualities of a good confessor, guides the reader through interrogation techniques, and assigns appropriate penances, thereby bearing => singular, significant witness to Savonarola's effective work as a conventional priest, not a radical public reformer loudly auguring the Apocalypse. The Rudimentary References of Elias de Ferrariis (d. 1348), another tool for novice priests, is appended starting on p. 45. A famous woodcut of Savonarola seated to the left of a desk in his cell, writing, beneath a crucifix and a window without bars, introduces an edition of his text that is neatly printed in Gothic type with two large, ten-line criblé woodcut initials beginning the major sections. Marks of readership: Sparse underlining, a couple annotations, and manicules, all in early ink. 20th-century patterned paper?-covered boards, faded blue edges (with a few marginal stains from the blue paint); trimmed close, especially at foot. Repairs to first and final leaves affecting one word in the title and a few letters in the letter to the editor; small tear to one leaf's upper margin crossing headline without loss; final quire with most leaves repaired at gutter and two at the top inner margin; leaves 92 to end with both a very small semicircular area of insect-gnawing to fore-edges and a modest brown stain in the upper outer corners not affecting text. => A good, evocative little book.

Boccaccio, Giovanni.Ameto, over comedia del le nimphe Florintine. [Venice: Nicolo Zopino e Vicentio compagno, 1524. - Small octavo. 95, [1, blank] leaves. Elaborate woodcut title-page border, woodcut device on last leaf, decorative woodcut initial letters. Nineteenth-century stiff vellum with gilt brown morocco spine label, marbled edges. Endpapers lightly foxed. Old ink notation on title-page, some contemporary or early ink marginalia. Short marginal cuts on leaves 71 and 72 to highlight an early ink marginal note. A very good copy overall. An early edition of this prose narrative by Boccaccio, interspersed with poems in terza rima, after the example of Boethius and Dante's Vita Nuova. Written in 1341-2 while Boccaccio was in Florence caring for his elderly father and separated from his beloved Fiammetta in Naples, this work is about the civilizing influence of love. the pastoral framework of this piece strongly influenced subsequent Arcadian literature. (See Oxford Companion to Italian Literature). Adams B-2126. [Attributes: Hard Cover]

Erasmus:Precatio Dominica in Septem Portiones Distributa. Basel Johann Bebel [not before August ] 1524 - 8vo. A-B8 C4: 20 leaves, the last a blank. With 8 outstanding illustrations by Hans Holbein the Younger, cut in metal by the Monogrammist CV Tiny tear in outer margin of last three leaves, last 4 leaves with light staining, mostly marginal.19th century vellum, gilt, shield shaped title label to upper cover, housed in slip-case.Hieronymus, Oberrheinische Buchillustration, no. 436a.; VD16 E-3448; Erasmus Online no. 3235 (not in Rotterdam); Bezzel 1620.This edition not in Adams nor BL /STC.I quote from unpublished papers of the late Jörg Schäfer, well-known dealer in rare books from Basel:?The existence of a concurrent Precatio Dominica edition printed by Johann Bebel with Holbein?s illustrations printed from the same blocks as in Froben?s [of the same year] is rather uncommon and quite puzzling. Though Froben?s edition is likely to be the earlier one, the impressions of the blocks in Bebel?s edition are generally better regarding both regular inking and pression. Furthermore, Bebel adorned the beginning of the text with a more suitable initial than Froben had done. For some reason, Bebel could use the 'A' from Holbein?s famous «Alphabet with Scenes from the Old Testament» which became available in August 1524 (cf. Basle Holbein Catalogue, 1960, no. 412; Woltmann 251; and Reinhardt, op. cit., p.238).Although it remains an enigma why Froben lent these blocks to Bebel, it is obvious that the younger printer, who had just set up his own officin in 1523, wanted to prove with this edition the excellency of his workmanship. It is evident that the blocks have been moved and handled with the utmost care; even a close examination and comparison of the impressions with those from Froben?s press did not yield the smallest damage or defect which so often occurs on succesively used printing material. It is tempting to ascribe this careful execution of a job to the printer?s respect for the artistic qualities of these outstanding illustrations; in any case it conforms to the professional estimation which in the years to come Johann Bebel enjoyed among his contemporaries. «Bebelium omnium chalcographum primum et principem esse, vere ac recte puto» , writes Jacob Milichius in a letter of 23 January 1531 from Wittenberg to Jacob Grynaeus (S. Grynaei epistolae, ed. W. Th. Streubner, Basel 1847, p. 19).? [Attributes: Hard Cover]

VALLE, Battista Della.:VALLO LIBRO CONTINENTE APPERTENENTE AD CAPITANII, RETENERE & FORTIFICARE UNA CITTA CON BASTIONI, CON NOVI ARTIFICII DE FUOCO AGGIONTI, COME NELLA TABOLA APPARE & DE DIVERSE S0RTE POLVERE, ET DE EXPUGNARE UNA CITTA CON PONTI, SCALE, ARGANI, TROMBE Venice, no printer's name (Gregorio De Gregori?). 1524.TRENCIERE, ARTEGLIARIE, CAVE, DARE AVISAMENTI SENZA MESSO ALLO AMICO, FARE ORDINANZE, BATTAGLIONI, ET PONTI DE DISFIDA CON LO PINGERE, OPERA MOLTO UTILE CON LA EXPERIENTIA DE L'ARTE MILITARE. SECOND EDITION, 1524, in 4 books, Italian text. Small 8vo, approximately 150 x 95 mm, 6 x 3¾ inches, title page with woodcut pictorial border by Eustachio Celebrino, showing at the top Mars and Bellona, Roman god and goddess of war, 2 soldiers fighting with swords and shields, at the sides weapons and armour and at the bottom 2 armies facing each other, 10 full page woodcut illustrations, 11 illustrations in the text, 1 full page illustration shows fireworks, the others show siege engines, bastions, mines, battering rams, bridges, bellows and diving equipment, 26 typographical diagrams of battle formations, 6 full page, 4 large decorated initials, leaves: [8], 1 - 71 numbered on rectos only, making a total of 142 pages, lacking final blank leaf, bound in modern half calf over patterned paper boards, raised bands and blind rules to spine, no label or lettering. Title page upper margin cropped close not affecting woodcut border, 2 small inkstains affecting border, occasional pale marks to margins, small ink mark to 1 text page with loss of 2 letters, small stain to another, no loss of legibility, small closed tear to 1 lower margin, tiny paper flaw to 1 lower corner, light brown stain to upper edge of leaves 49 - 71, small light brown stain to last 3 leaves, no loss of legibility, small margin corner cut from final leaf. A very good copy of a scarce early military and firework book. The first edition was published in 1521 and is very rare, It was the first book to contain a section on fortification but our edition, the second, was the first to contain the 3 brief chapters on fireworks. These occupy the last 3 unnumbered leaves at the beginning and have the following headings: Per far trombe de fuoco de mirabile faccione; Per far balle de bronzo da trazere in un battagion de fanti, lequale schiopando fan grandissimo danno; Per fare fiaschi overo pignatelle di fuoco artificiato da trazere. This is probably the first printed description of military fireworks of this kind. See Chris Philip, A Bibliography of Firework Books, page 152, No. V010.1 listing the 1524 edition. A military 'pocket' - manual, covering in four books the necessary knowledge and duties of an army captain. The first two books, after some general remarks on the position of a captain, treat the fortification of cities, camps and other sites, the construction of relevant machinery, both defense and attack, and other problems of military engineering. Many of these devices are reproduced, such as battering rams, scaling machines, a helmet for use under water, some simple constructions of water clocks, & c. The third book deals with tactics and battle formations and is illustrated with many typographical diagrams. The fourth and last discusses the rules of duels and at some length the question 'qual sia maggior nobilita, le arme o le littere', whereby the author, an experienced captain himself, leaves no doubt about his preference. See: Cockle, Bibliography of Military Books up to 1642, page 197 No. 765 listing the 1524 edition: "Il Vallo (The Defence), where it concerns engineering and artillery, is taken almost entirely from the ancients. Dela Valle has no scientific knowledge whatever, and writes from experience only. But the elementary character of his work made it accessible to the rudest soldier, and it ran through eleven editions in thirty - seven years, that is to say, more than any other military book in those times." MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE. FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.

VALLE, Battista Della.:VALLO LIBRO CONTINENTE APPERTENENTE AD CAPITANII, RETENERE & FORTIFICARE UNA CITTA CON BASTIONI, CON NOVI ARTIFICII DE FUOCO AGGIONTI, COME NELLA TABOLA APPARE & DE DIVERSE S0RTE POLVERE, ET DE EXPUGNARE UNA CITTA CON PONTI, SCALE, ARGANI, TROMBE, Venice, no printer's name (Gregorio De Gregori?). 1524.. TRENCIERE, ARTEGLIARIE, CAVE, DARE AVISAMENTI SENZA MESSO ALLO AMICO, FARE ORDINANZE, BATTAGLIONI, ET PONTI DE DISFIDA CON LO PINGERE, OPERA MOLTO UTILE CON LA EXPERIENTIA DE L'ARTE MILITARE. SECOND EDITION, 1524, in 4 books, Italian text. Small 8vo, approximately 150 x 95 mm, 6 x 3¾ inches, title page with woodcut pictorial border by Eustachio Celebrino, showing at the top Mars and Bellona, Roman god and goddess of war, 2 soldiers fighting with swords and shields, at the sides weapons and armour and at the bottom 2 armies facing each other, 10 full page woodcut illustrations, 11 illustrations in the text, 1 full page illustration shows fireworks, the others show siege engines, bastions, mines, battering rams, bridges, bellows and diving equipment, 26 typographical diagrams of battle formations, 6 full page, 4 large decorated initials, leaves: [8], 1-71 numbered on rectos only, making a total of 142 pages, lacking final blank leaf, bound in modern half calf over patterned paper boards, raised bands and blind rules to spine, no label or lettering. Title page upper margin cropped close not affecting woodcut border, 2 small inkstains affecting border, occasional pale marks to margins, small ink mark to 1 text page with loss of 2 letters, small stain to another, no loss of legibility, small closed tear to 1 lower margin, tiny paper flaw to 1 lower corner, light brown stain to upper edge of leaves 49-71, small light brown stain to last 3 leaves, no loss of legibility, small margin corner cut from final leaf. A very good copy of a scarce early military and firework book. The first edition was published in 1521 and is very rare, It was the first book to contain a section on fortification but our edition, the second, was the first to contain the 3 brief chapters on fireworks. These occupy the last 3 unnumbered leaves at the beginning and have the following headings: Per far trombe de fuoco de mirabile faccione; Per far balle de bronzo da trazere in un battagion de fanti, lequale schiopando fan grandissimo danno; Per fare fiaschi overo pignatelle di fuoco artificiato da trazere. This is probably the first printed description of military fireworks of this kind. See Chris Philip, A Bibliography of Firework Books, page 152, No. V010.1 listing the 1524 edition. A military 'pocket'-manual, covering in four books the necessary knowledge and duties of an army captain. The first two books, after some general remarks on the position of a captain, treat the fortification of cities, camps and other sites, the construction of relevant machinery, both defense and attack, and other problems of military engineering. Many of these devices are reproduced, such as battering rams, scaling machines, a helmet for use under water, some simple constructions of water clocks, & c. The third book deals with tactics and battle formations and is illustrated with many typographical diagrams. The fourth and last discusses the rules of duels and at some length the question 'qual sia maggior nobilita, le arme o le littere', whereby the author, an experienced captain himself, leaves no doubt about his preference. See: Cockle, Bibliography of Military Books up to 1642, page 197 No. 765 listing the 1524 edition: "Il Vallo (The Defence), where it concerns engineering and artillery, is taken almost entirely from the ancients. Dela Valle has no scientific knowledge whatever, and writes from experience only. But the elementary character of his work made it accessible to the rudest soldier, and it ran through eleven editions in thirty-seven years, that is to say, more than any other military book in those times." MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE. FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.

Lucas van LeydenThe surgeon and the peasant 1524. <p>Lucas van Leyden (1494-1533). The surgeon and the peasant. Engraving, 116 75 mm., matted. Signed within the plate with Lucas&#39;s initial "L" and dated 1524. 2 or 3 very small and unobtrusive repairs. Very good impression. </p> <p>Lucas&#39;s famous engraving of a typical barber-surgeon at work. "It has been suggested that this engraving is a subtle indictment of the barber-surgeon. He is shown wearing elegant attire, whereas his patient is portrayed as a poor country bumpkin. In the artistic language of the day the large, heavy purse below the surgeon&#39;s right arm signalled an undue preoccupation with money" (Rutkow, Surgery: An Illustrated History, p. 121). Lyons & Petrucelli, Medicine: An Illustrated History, p. 383 (illustrating the engraving). </p>

BARTHOLOMEO COCLITIEin kurtzer bericht der gantzen Phisionomey und Ciromancy WITH OVER 80 WOODCUTS Joanne Gzieninger, STRASSBURG STRASSBOURG FRANCE 1524 - Printed 1524, ORIGINAL CLASSIC TREATISE OF COCLES ON MEDICINE, PHYSIOGNOMY AND PALM READING (Chiromancy) EXCEEDINGLY RARE EDITION. Not in the American Auction Records for 30 years! FILLED WITH WOODCUTS OF FACES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS AS WELL AS CLEARLY MARKED PALMS WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR READING (approx 80 full page woodcuts of Palms alone!) An extremely rare an important edition of which I cannot readily trace other copies. Thorndike, in his classic 'History of Experimental Magic" pg 64. states the First Italian edition was printed in 1525 and a German edition at Strassburg in 1530. The book here is not recorded by him and predates that German edition by six years. The Book: Cocliti, B. Ein kurtzer bericht der gantzen Phiionomey und Ciromancy. Strassburg, 1524. small 8vo, mottled boards, internally very clean copy, handsome woodcuts throughout and fine dark impression, last leaf in facsimile. An extremely rare, well illustrated and important edition. The last earliest copy in the ABPC auction records is the 1534 edition in a very worn state. The 1536 edition realized last $747.00 at Sotheby's Oct 21st, 1980 lot 448. Physiognomy is the interpretation of outward appearance, especially the features of the face, to discover a person's predominant temper and character. Physiognomy has also been used as a kind of divination and is often associated with astrology. o Coclès, like others before and after him, tried to create a science out of something each of us does from time to time: judge a person by his or her facial characteristics. Physiognomists like Coclès are wont to say things such as "people with snub noses are vain, untruthful, unstable, unfaithful and seducers." Cocles extended the pseudo scientific analysis to palm reading, writing one of the most enduring and influential text on Chiromancy. 24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall [Attributes: Hard Cover]

VALLE, BATTISTA DELLA.:VALLO LIBRO CONTINENTE APPERTENENTE AD CAPITANII, RETENERE & FORTIFICARE UNA CITTA CON BASTIONI, CON NOVI ARTIFICII DE FUOCO AGGIONTI, COME NELLA TABOLA APPARE & DE DIVERSE S0RTE POLVERE, ET DE EXPUGNARE UNA CITTA CON PONTI, SCALE, ARGANI, TROMBE Venice, no printer's name (Gregorio De Gregori?). 1524.TRENCIERE, ARTEGLIARIE, CAVE, DARE AVISAMENTI SENZA MESSO ALLO AMICO, FARE ORDINANZE, BATTAGLIONI, ET PONTI DE DISFIDA CON LO PINGERE, OPERA MOLTO UTILE CON LA EXPERIENTIA DE L'ARTE MILITARE. SECOND EDITION, 1524, in 4 books, Italian text. Small 8vo, approximately 150 x 95 mm, 6 x 3¾ inches, title page with woodcut pictorial border by Eustachio Celebrino, showing at the top Mars and Bellona, Roman god and goddess of war, 2 soldiers fighting with swords and shields, at the sides weapons and armour and at the bottom 2 armies facing each other, 10 full page woodcut illustrations, 11 illustrations in the text, 1 full page illustration shows fireworks, the others show siege engines, bastions, mines, battering rams, bridges, bellows and diving equipment, 26 typographical diagrams of battle formations, 6 full page, 4 large decorated initials, leaves: [8], 1 - 71 numbered on rectos only, making a total of 142 pages, lacking final blank leaf, leaf 65 supplied in very good early professional facsimile, it has been in the book for many years and the pale stains match the pages either side, distinguishable only by the horizontal chain lines of the paper, bound in modern half calf over patterned paper boards, raised bands and blind rules to spine, no label or lettering. Title page upper margin cropped close not affecting woodcut border, 2 small inkstains affecting border, occasional pale marks to margins, small ink mark to 1 text page with loss of 2 letters, small stain to another, no loss of legibility, small closed tear to 1 lower margin, tiny paper flaw to 1 lower corner, light brown stain to upper edge of leaves 49 - 71, small light brown stain to last 3 leaves, no loss of legibility, small margin corner cut from final leaf. A very good copy of a scarce early military and firework book. The first edition was published in 1521. It was the first book to contain a section on fortification but our edition, the second, was the first to contain the 3 brief chapters on fireworks. These occupy the last 3 unnumbered leaves at the beginning and have the following headings: Per far trombe de fuoco de mirabile faccione; Per far balle de bronzo da trazere in un battagion de fanti, lequale schiopando fan grandissimo danno; Per fare fiaschi overo pignatelle di fuoco artificiato da trazere. This is probably the first printed description of military fireworks of this kind. See Chris Philip, A Bibliography of Firework Books, page 152, No. V010.1 listing the 1524 edition. A military 'pocket' - manual, covering in four books the necessary knowledge and duties of an army captain. The first two books, after some general remarks on the position of a captain, treat the fortification of cities, camps and other sites, the construction of relevant machinery, both defense and attack, and other problems of military engineering. Many of these devices are reproduced, such as battering rams, scaling machines, a helmet for use under water, some simple constructions of water clocks, & c. The third book deals with tactics and battle formations and is illustrated with many typographical diagrams. The fourth and last discusses the rules of duels and at some length the question 'qual sia maggior nobilita, le arme o le littere', whereby the author, an experienced captain himself, leaves no doubt about his preference. See: Cockle, Bibliography of Military Books up to 1642, page 197 No. 765 listing the 1524 edition: "Il Vallo (The Defence), where it concerns engineering and artillery, is taken almost entirely from the ancients. Dela Valle has no scientific knowledge whatever, and writes from experience only. But the elementary character of his work made it accessible to the rudest soldier, and it ran through eleven editions in thirty - seven years, that is to say, more than any other military book in those times." MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE. FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.